VICTORIA CROSS AWARDS

Smyth, Brigadier Sir John [Brigadier Sir John George Smyth, 1st Baronet, VC, MC, PC (24 October 1893 - 26 April 1983), often known as Jackie Smyth, was a British Indian Army officer and a Conservative Member of Parliament. Although a recipient of the Victoria Cross, his military career ended in controversy]

(Book #ID 112159)

Published by Hutchinson & Co. Ltd., 178-202 Great Portland Street, London First Edition 1959. 1959.

First edition hard back binding in publisher's original forest green cloth covered boards, blocked and lettered silver back over maroon ground. 8vo. 8½'' x 6''. Contains portrait frontispiece, 352 pp. Fine condition book in Very Good condition dust wrapper with one small chip to the top of the rear cover, not price clipped, 30s. Housed in Fine condition marble paper covered open-fronted slip case. SIGNED by the author to the title page 'To Edwin and Mollie - with affectionate regards and good wishes from Jackie Smyth, 23.3.59.' Dust wrapper supplied in archive acetate film protection. Member of the P.B.F.A.

Click here to select books from the
VICTORIA CROSS AWARDS Category

Woolley, The Rev. G. H. [Geoffrey Harold Woolley, VC, OBE, MC (14 May 1892 - 10 December 1968) was a British Army infantry officer, Church of England priest, and Second World War military chaplain. He was the first British Territorial Army officer to be awarded the Victoria Cross]

(Book #ID 112160)

Published by Ernest Benn, Bouverie House, Fleet Street, London First Edition 1963. 1963.

First edition hard back binding in publisher's original moss green cloth covered boards, blocked and lettered gilt back. 8vo. 8½'' x 6''. The citation for the Victoria Cross he was awarded for this action reads: For most conspicuous bravery on "Hill 60" during the night of 20th-21st April, 1915. Although the only Officer on the hill at the time, and with very few men, he successfully resisted all attacks on his trench, and continued throwing bombs and encouraging his men till relieved. His trench during all this time was being heavily shelled and bombed and was subjected to heavy machine gun fire by the enemy. Contains frontispiece, 196 pp with monochrome archive photographs throughout. Very Good condition book in Good condition dust wrapper with piece of paper missing to the top front corner, rubbing to the spine ends and corners, not price clipped, 21s. Housed in Fine condition marble paper covered open-fronted slip case. Inscription by the author to the front free end paper SIGNED 'G. H. Woolley - 24th April 1964' + double-sided SIGNED letter dated 23rd December 1966 on the author's private letter-headed paper to W. R. Batchelor - the recipient of the dedication to the book + 8 pp The Victoria Cross and George Cross Association Memorial Service Programme for Thursday 23rd January, 1969 + The Victoria Cross and George Cross Association 1967 8 pp Christmas Card SIGNED inside 'From Harold and Betty Woolley, and Nicholas, with monochrome photograph of Queen Elizabeth II and a rare photograph of Sir Winston Churchill (first president of the V.C. and G.C. Association from 1956 until his death in 1965) looking at the Book of Remembrance which reposes in the magnificent altar which was Britain's gift to Canada in 1927 when the Chamber in the Peace Tower was completed + copied 8'' x 6'' colour photograph of the author wearing his Victoria Cross. Dust wrapper supplied in archive acetate film protection. Member of the P.B.F.A.

Click here to select books from the
VICTORIA CROSS AWARDS Category

Campbell, Gordon [Vice Admiral Gordon Campbell, VC, DSO & Two Bars (6 January 1886 - 3 October 1953) was a British naval officer, writer, politician and a recipient of the Victoria Cross]

(Book #ID 112167)

Published by Hodder and Stoughton Ltd., London Second Edition 1935. 1935.

Second edition hard back binding in publisher's original blue | grey club cloth covered boards, blocked and lettered navy back and front. 8vo. 9'' x 6''. The citation for the Victoria Cross he was awarded for reads: On 17 February 1917 in the north Atlantic, Commander Campbell, commanding HMS Farnborough (Q.5) (one of the "mystery" Q ships) sighted a torpedo track. He altered course and allowed the torpedo to hit Q.5 aft by the engine-room bulkhead. The 'Panic party' got away convincingly, followed by the U-boat. When the submarine had fully surfaced and was within 100 yards of Q.5 - badly damaged and now lying very low in the water - the commander gave the order to fire. Almost all of the 45 shells fired hit the SM U-83 which sank. Q.5 was taken in tow just in time and was safely beached. On 22 March 1916, another U-boat, SM U-68 was sunk by Farnborough. Contains tissue-guarded frontispiece, 352 pp with 10 full-page single-sided monochrome archive photographs throughout. Spine age faded, else in Very Good condition, no dust wrapper, protected in acetate film. Housed in Fine condition marble paper covered open-fronted slip case. SIGNED by the author to the front free end paper 'To Mrs Poat, With many happy returns - all best wishes and gratitude - your ever loving - Gordon Campbell - April 13th 1947.' Loosely inserted newspaper clipping from 2017 referring to 'Hero's VC sells for record £840k'. Member of the P.B.F.A.

Click here to select books from the
VICTORIA CROSS AWARDS Category

Campbell, Gordon [Vice Admiral Gordon Campbell, VC, DSO & Two Bars (6 January 1886 - 3 October 1953) was a British naval officer, writer, politician and a recipient of the Victoria Cross]

(Book #ID 112168)

Published by Hodder and Stoughton Ltd., London First Edition 1936. 1936.

First edition hard back binding in publisher's original navy cloth covered boards, blocked and lettered gilt back, gilt medallion to the front cover, end paper charts. 8vo. 9'' x 6''. Contains portrait vignette, 320 pp with monochrome illustrations throughout, large folding map. In very near Fine condition, no dust wrapper, protected in acetate film. Housed in Fine condition marble paper covered open-fronted slip case. SIGNED inscription by the author to the half-title page 'To Miss Norah Peruvian?, With best wishes and hopes that your voyage in life may be more plain sailing than Cooks' - Yours very sincerely - Gordon Campbell September 1936.' Loosely inserted newspaper clipping from 2017 referring to 'Hero's VC sells for record £840k'. Member of the P.B.F.A.

Click here to select books from the
VICTORIA CROSS AWARDS Category

Cheshire V.C., D.S.O., D.F.C., Group Captain Leonard [Geoffrey Leonard Cheshire, Baron Cheshire, VC, OM, DSO & Two Bars, DFC (7 September 1917 31 July 1992) was a highly decorated Royal Air Force pilot and group captain during the Second World War, as a pilot he was awarded the Victoria Cross]. Portrait Photograph by Lord Snowden | Photographs by Norman Potter

(Book #ID 112172)

Published by Collins 14 St. James's Place, London First Edition Thus 1981. 1981.

First edition thus hard back in full crushed navy morocco, the spine divided into six panels, lettered in the second and fourth, tooling to the others, gilt feather vignette to the front board, gilt and navy hand marbled end sheets, all page edges gilt, silk head bands. 8vo. 8½'' x 5½''. Hand written number 14 of 200 numbered limited edition copies. Contains specially commissioned portrait photograph by Lord Snowden, 154 pp, double page map, with 16 pp monochrome photographs on loaded art paper by Norman Potter. SIGNED by Leonard Cheshire to the limitation leaf 'Leonard Cheshire'. In Fine condition. Housed in Fine condition marble paper covered open-fronted slip case. + The Leonard Cheshire Foundation headed paper giving reference to the portrait photograph by Lord Snowden. Unused and unopened new book. Member of the P.B.F.A.

Click here to select books from the
VICTORIA CROSS AWARDS Category

Fleming, George [James Joseph Magennis, VC (27 October 1919 - 12 February 1986) was a Belfast-born sailor and recipient of the Victoria Cross. He was the only native of Northern Ireland to receive the Victoria Cross in the Second World War | Lieutenant Commander Ian Edward Fraser, VC, DSC, RD, JP (18 December 1920 - 1 September 2008) was an English diving pioneer, sailor and recipient of the Victoria Cross]. Professor Christopher George Maccabe CB (born 17 December 1946) is a former Political Director of the Northern Ireland Office, and a former British Joint Secretary of the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference.

(Book #ID 112231)

Published by History Ireland Ltd., Dublin, Ireland First Edition 1998. 1998.

First edition in publisher's original illustrated card wrap covers (soft back). 8vo. 9½'' x 6¼''. Magennis was part of several operations involving X-Craft midget submarines in attacks on Axis ships. In July 1945, Magennis was serving on HMS XE3 during Operation Struggle. During an attack on the Japanese cruiser Takao in Singapore, Magennis showed extraordinary valour and bravery by leaving the submarine for a second time in order to free some explosive charges that had got caught, he is only person in naval history to exit a submarine in a diving suit, perform a military operation and return to the same submarine. His commanding officer, Lieutenant Ian Edward Fraser, was also awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions during the operation. Contains 224 pp with monochrome archive photographs throughout. In Fine condition, supplied in archive acetate film protection. SIGNED by the author to the title page 'To Chris Maccabe C.B. (Associate Political Director) with compliments from George Fleming' + souvenir 130th Anniversary of the Institution of the Victoria Cross cover DOUBLE SIGNED 'Ian Fraser V.C.' and James J. Magennis V.C.' to the front cover, 29th January 1986 post marked stamp. Housed in Fine condition paper covered open-fronted slip case. Member of the P.B.F.A.

Click here to select books from the
VICTORIA CROSS AWARDS Category

Hopton, Richard [Captain Robert Edward Dudley Ryder VC (16 February 1908 - 29 June 1986) was a Royal Navy officer and a British recipient of the Victoria Cross]

(Book #ID 112246)

Published by Pen and Sword Books Ltd., [Maritime] 47 Church Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire First Edition 2011. 2011.

First edition hard back binding in publisher's original black paper covered boards, gilt title and author lettering to the spine. 8vo. 9½'' x 6¼''. Victoria Cross official citation: The King has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the Victoria Cross for daring and valour in the attack on the German Naval Base at St. Nazaire, to:Commander Robert Edward Dudley Ryder, Royal Navy. For great gallantry in the attack on St Nazaire. He commanded a force of small unprotected ships in an attack on a heavily defended port and led H.M.S. Campbeltown in under intense fire from short range weapons at point blank range. Though the main object of the expedition had been accomplished in the beaching of Campbeltown, he remained on the spot conducting operations, evacuating men from Campbeltown and dealing with strong points and close range weapons while exposed to heavy fire for one hour and sixteen minutes, and did not withdraw till it was certain that his ship could be of no use in rescuing any of the Commando Troops who were still ashore. That his Motor Gun Boat, now full of dead and wounded, should have survived and should have been able to withdraw through an intense barrage of close range fire was almost a miracle. Contains 224 pp with monochrome archive photographs to the centre pages Fine condition book in Fine condition dust wrapper, not price clipped, £19.99. White paper label to the title page SIGNED by the author 'With my best wishes, Richard Hopton. 10. v. 2013.' Loosely inserted hand written compliments card with the authors printed residence across the top and referring to the signed label SIGNED 'Richard Hopton.' Dust wrapper supplied in archive acetate film protection. Member of the P.B.F.A.

Click here to select books from the
VICTORIA CROSS AWARDS Category

Glanfield, John

(Book #ID 112125)

Published by Sutton Publishing Limited, Thrupp, Stroud, Gloucestershire First Edition 2005. 2005.

First edition hard back binding in publisher's original black paper covered boards, blocked and lettered gilt back. 8vo. 8'' x 5''. Contains 182 pp with monochrome illustrations and archive photographs to the centre. Fine condition book in Fine condition dust wrapper, not price clipped. Dust wrapper supplied in archive acetate film protection. Member of the P.B.F.A. ISBN 0750936959

Click here to select books from the
VICTORIA CROSS AWARDS Category

Franks, Norman L. R. [Norman Leslie Robert Franks (born 1940: died May 2023) is an English militaria writer who specialises in aviation topics. He focuses on the pilots and squadrons of World Wars I and II]. John Alexander Cruickshank VC (born 20 May 1920) is a Scottish former banker, former Royal Air Force officer, and a Second World War recipient of the Victoria Cross.

(Book #ID 112393)

Published by Grub Street, The Basement, 10 Chivalry Road, London First Edition Thus Substantially Updated Edition 1995. 1995.

First edition thus substantially updated hard back binding in publisher's original scarlet cloth covered boards, blocked and lettered gilt back. 8vo. 9½'' x 6¼''. Contains (xiv), 274 pp with monochrome archive photographs throughout. Small booksellers ticket removed from the bottom of the front free end paper. Fine condition book in Fine condition dust wrapper, not price clipped. + No. 304 of 500 Victory in Europe flown cover | Flight Lieutenant J. A. Cruickshank was awarded the Victoria Cross for most conspicuous bravery during a successful attack on U-347 in the Atlantic on 17th July 1944 and SIGNED by him to the front cover 'John Cruickshank' also SIGNED by the author label to the title page 'Best wishes | Norman Franks' + letter of provenance to the author dated 2016. Dust wrapper supplied in archive acetate film protection. Member of the P.B.F.A.

Click here to select books from the
VICTORIA CROSS AWARDS Category

Ashcroft, Michael [Foreword by HRH The Prince of Wales]

(Book #ID 112400)

Published by Headline Publishing 338 Euston Road, London First Edition 2006. 2006.

First edition hard back binding in publisher's original cerise covers, gilt title and author lettering to the spine. 8vo. 9½'' x 6¼''. Printer's code number 1 to the copyright page. Contains [xvi] 335 pp with monochrome photographs throughout. Fine condition book in Fine condition dust wrapper, not price clipped, £20.00, unused new book. SIGNED by the author to the title page 'M. Ashcroft'. Dust wrapper supplied in archive acetate film protection. Member of the P.B.F.A. ISBN 0755316320

Click here to select books from the
VICTORIA CROSS AWARDS Category

Beharry VC, Johnson [Warrant Officer Class 2 Johnson Gideon Beharry, VC, COG (born 26 July 1979) is a British Army soldier who, on 18 March 2005, was awarded the Victoria Cross] with Nick Cook.

(Book #ID 112432)

Published by Sphere An Imprint of Little, Brown and Company Ltd., Brettenham House, Lancaster Place, London First Edition 2006. 2006.

First edition hard back binding in publisher's original scarlet cloth covered boards, blocked and lettered gilt back, black paper end papers. 8vo. 9½'' x 6¼''. Beharry was the first recipient of the Victoria Cross since the posthumous awards to Lieutenant Colonel H. Jones and Sergeant Ian John McKay for service in the Falklands War in 1982. He was the first living recipient of the VC since Keith Payne and Rayene Stewart Simpson, both Australian, for actions in Vietnam in 1969, and the first living recipient of the VC in the British Army since Rambahadur Limbu, a Gurkha, in the Indonesia-Malaysia confrontation in 1965. At the time of his award, he was one of only ten living recipients of the VC. Contains (x), 370 pp with two maps and colour archive photographs throughout. Fine condition book in Fine condition dust wrapper, not price clipped. SIGNED by both authors to the title page ''J. Beharry VC' and 'Nick Cook | 2nd November 2006'. + 12'' x 8'' framed colour photograph of Beharry just after receiving his VC at Buckingham Palace + 11'' x 8'' SIGNED colour photograph of Beharry + 4 x 6'' x 4'' personal colour photographs of Johnson Beharry and Nick Cook at book signing | RNAS Base, Yeovilton, Somerset | 21st November 2006. Dust wrapper supplied in archive acetate film protection. Housed in Fine condition marble paper covered open-fronted slip case. Member of the P.B.F.A.

Click here to select books from the
VICTORIA CROSS AWARDS Category

Beharry VC, Johnson [Warrant Officer Class 2 Johnson Gideon Beharry, VC, COG (born 26 July 1979) is a British Army soldier who, on 18 March 2005, was awarded the Victoria Cross] with Nick Cook.

(Book #ID 112433)

Published by Sphere An Imprint of Little, Brown and Company Ltd., Brettenham House, Lancaster Place, London First Edition 2006. 2006.

First edition hard back binding in publisher's original scarlet cloth covered boards, blocked and lettered gilt back, black paper end papers. 8vo. 9½'' x 6¼''. Beharry was the first recipient of the Victoria Cross since the posthumous awards to Lieutenant Colonel H. Jones and Sergeant Ian John McKay for service in the Falklands War in 1982. He was the first living recipient of the VC since Keith Payne and Rayene Stewart Simpson, both Australian, for actions in Vietnam in 1969, and the first living recipient of the VC in the British Army since Rambahadur Limbu, a Gurkha, in the Indonesia-Malaysia confrontation in 1965. At the time of his award, he was one of only ten living recipients of the VC. Contains (x), 370 pp with two maps and colour archive photographs throughout. Fine condition book in Fine condition dust wrapper, not price clipped. SIGNED by the author to the title page ''J. Beharry VC' + 12'' x 8'' + 12'' x 8'' SIGNED colour photograph of Beharry holding his VC + 4 x 6'' x 4'' personal colour photographs of Johnson Beharry and Nick Cook at book signing | RNAS Base, Yeovilton, Somerset | 21st November 2006. Dust wrapper supplied in archive acetate film protection. Housed in Fine condition marble paper covered open-fronted slip case. Member of the P.B.F.A.

Click here to select books from the
VICTORIA CROSS AWARDS Category

Beharry VC, Johnson [Warrant Officer Class 2 Johnson Gideon Beharry, VC, COG (born 26 July 1979) is a British Army soldier who, on 18 March 2005, was awarded the Victoria Cross] with Nick Cook.

(Book #ID 112434)

Published by Sphere An Imprint of Little, Brown and Company Ltd., Brettenham House, Lancaster Place, London First Edition 2006. 2006.

First edition hard back binding in publisher's original scarlet cloth covered boards, blocked and lettered gilt back, black paper end papers. 8vo. 9½'' x 6¼''. Beharry was the first recipient of the Victoria Cross since the posthumous awards to Lieutenant Colonel H. Jones and Sergeant Ian John McKay for service in the Falklands War in 1982. He was the first living recipient of the VC since Keith Payne and Rayene Stewart Simpson, both Australian, for actions in Vietnam in 1969, and the first living recipient of the VC in the British Army since Rambahadur Limbu, a Gurkha, in the Indonesia-Malaysia confrontation in 1965. At the time of his award, he was one of only ten living recipients of the VC. Contains (x), 370 pp with two maps and colour archive photographs throughout. Fine condition book in Very Good condition dust wrapper with sun fading down the spine, not price clipped. Loosely inserted 4 x 6'' x 4'' personal colour photographs of Johnson Beharry and Nick Cook at book signing | RNAS Base, Yeovilton, Somerset | 21st November 2006. Dust wrapper supplied in archive acetate film protection. Member of the P.B.F.A.

Click here to select books from the
VICTORIA CROSS AWARDS Category

Wing Commander Roderick Alastair Brook Learoyd, VC (5 February 1913 - 24 January 1996) was a Royal Air Force bomber pilot and recipient of the Victoria Cross.

(Book #ID 112470)

6th July 1941.

Single sheet letter 9'' x 7'' on Royal Air Force Station letter-headed paper dated 6th July 1941 and SIGNED 'R. A. B. Learoyd'. Member of the P.B.F.A.

Click here to select books from the
VICTORIA CROSS AWARDS Category

The Royal Mint | Llantrisant, Wales [William Leefe Robinson VC (14 July 1895 - 31 December 1918) was the first British pilot to shoot down a German airship over Britain during the First World War, for this, he was awarded the Victoria Cross]

(Book #ID 112479)

January 2006.

Two Victoria cross fifty pence piece coins. One featuring two depictions of medals the other a soldier carrying another wounded soldier. The obverse side of each coin features a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley. Established on 29th January 1856 for British and Commonwealth servicemen and women who have demonstrated 'most conspicuous bravery, or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice, or extreme devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy', the Victoria Cross is the highest and most prestigious medal in the British honours system. The VC was conceived during the Crimean War (1853-56), where the combined British, French and Ottomon armies drove the Russians out of Sebastopol and the Black Sea. The War is widely regarded as a turning point in modern warfare where industrial tactics started to come to the fore, and with them very high casualty and injury rates. + 8½'' x 5'' Victoria Cross 1856 - 2006 Royal Mail First Day Cover | one cachet insert featuring William Leefe Robinson V.C. who was the first British pilot to shoot down a German airship over Britain during the First World War and was the first man to be awarded the V.C. for a deed over the United Kingdom. Member of the P.B.F.A.

Click here to select books from the
VICTORIA CROSS AWARDS Category